Actuarial Studies and Quantitative Finance Certificate Programs

Certificate in Actuarial Studies

The Actuarial Studies Certificate offered by the College of Arts and Sciences is designed to help students obtain the expertise in mathematics, economics and finance necessary to become actuaries—the mathematical planners of the insurance and pension industries.

Students in the program can be of any major or college, or can be nondegree candidates. The entrance requirement is three semesters of calculus completed with grades of B+ or better. There are a number of courses in mathematics, economics and business required to earn the certificate. The certificate is awarded by the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Besides taking courses, students are encouraged to take the professional exams offered by the various actuarial societies. The entrance requirements can be waived for students who pass the first actuarial examination (see also our website below).

Interested students should contact one of the co-directors: David Grant at 303-492-7208 or Anne Dougherty at 303-492-4011, who will also provide advice on actuarial studies to students who are not in the program. For more information, see www.colorado.edu/asqf.

Certificate in Quantitative Finance

The Quantitative Finance Certificate, offered jointly by the College of Arts and Sciences and the Leeds School of Business, was initiated in the fall of 2004 and is designed to prepare students for financial and economics analyst positions that require outstanding quantitative skills. Often employers hire graduate students for such positions due to a shortage of undergraduates with the required combination of skills and training. This program is designed to meet this need. 

The required curriculum is extensive and rigorous. Potential participants are encouraged to begin work early in their studies, preferably during the first year. Course work draws from the Departments of Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Economics; and the Leeds School of Business. Qualified students enrolled in any college are invited to participate. For admittance to the program, a student must earn a GPA of 2.87 or higher in Calculus I through III. However, students may be provisionally admitted after completion of Calculus I (MATH 1300 or APPM 1350) with a grade of B or better or through advanced placement. Additional GPA requirements must be met to earn the certificate. Participants may be given preference when enrolling in certain courses in the Leeds School of Business.

Interested students should contact Gerald Madigan, Leeds School of Business, at jerry.madigan@colorado.edu. Additional information can be found at www.colorado.edu/asqf.